Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one type of blood-filtering treatment you can perform yourself at home, work, or on the go. PD uses a different method of filtering the blood than hemodialysis, but still serves the purpose of removing waste products from your kidneys.

Here are a few benefits of choosing peritoneal dialysis over traditional hemodialysis.

Schedule PD to match your lifestyle

Many PD patients are able to work, travel, and live independently. Being able to perform peritoneal dialysis in any clean, private location gives you the flexibility to create a treatment schedule that works for you. The two main schedule types are continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which is performed by hand, and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), which is performed with a machine.

No needles required

Before beginning PD treatments, a catheter will be placed in your abdomen. You’ll connect the dialysate to the catheter site to perform the exchanges – no need for needles.

Greater diet flexibility

Since peritoneal dialysis is performed on a more regular basis, this treatment option helps reduce the accumulation of excess fluids, potassium, and sodium in your body. This means you have more flexibility in your kidney diet and the range of foods you’re able to enjoy.

Gentler on the body

If your body struggles to tolerate sudden changes in fluid balance, PD might be a good dialysis treatment option for you. The more continuous nature of treatment is gentler on the body and heart, so you may experience fewer side effects.

Help preserve remaining kidney function

Early kidney disease detection is so important for helping our patients maintain a good quality of life. When peritoneal dialysis is started in the early stages of the disease, it has the potential to help preserve residual kidney function for a longer period of time and lead to better outcomes.

Peritoneal dialysis might be right for you if you have good hand-eye coordination and are able to care for yourself at home or with the help of a reliable care partner. Your Cincinnati Home Dialysis care team is here to help discuss your options and find a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.